VISIT SICILY!
Linda Sarris is a food/wine travel consultant and private chef based in Palermo, Sicily. From her sun-lit kitchen studio above the 1,000 year-old Ballarò food market, Linda works as a freelance writer, social media manager, and culinary communications consultant while still traveling regularly for private chef work with clients in the fashion and music industries. Under her brand, The Cheeky Chef, she is self-publishing a Sicilian food and wine ‘zine and curates a series of Mediterranean culinary/lifestyle retreats and travel experiences. Her first book, Moon Southern italy, was published in 2022 with Hachette Book Group.
For more information about these adventures, fill out the form below.
BALLARÒ MARKET WALK
This 2-hour chef-led market experience introduces food lovers to the ancient outdoor food market in Ballarò. Weave your way through a labyrinth of hollering vendors, vibrant seasonal colors, and the delicious aroma of fried goodies. This program includes an intro to la cucina siciliana, morning coffee, tastings in the Ballarò market, traditional Sicilian tastings and Palermitan street food and tried-and-true recommendations for lunch or dinner on your own.
Available throughout the year in Palermo’s historic city center. I offer private tours, just for your group! Just once per day in the timeslot when the market is buzzing.
Take a look at my calendar to book your private market tour. If you have any questions feel free to reach out via email.
PRIVATE VILLA RENTALS
Enjoy what the Italians call the dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing.
Families and groups of friends can take advantage of hand-selected, exclusive and out of the ordinary private villa rentals all around the Mediterranean. These properties are top of their class when it comes to the location, design, and amenities. Find your home sweet home for a dreamy weeklong holiday with your loved ones.
We’ve just launched a new selection of GORGEOUS villas to rent in SICILY, PUGLIA and now GREECE.
Send a request for options, estimates and availability.
EXPLORE SICILY
On these culinary road trips, Cheeky can organize a few days together or design an itinerary for your vacation. You'll experience true Sicilian life as a local and immerse yourself in its rich culture with a pro by your side.
PALERMO
SIRACUSA, NOTO + MODICA
CATANIA + MOUNT ETNA
TAORMINA + THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS
TRAPANI, FAVIGNANA + PANTELLERIA
AGRIGENTO + THE “ENTROTERRA” HEARTLAND
Bespoke tours are organized according to your interest in visiting vineyards, weeklong villa rentals for groups and families, afternoon wine tastings, half-day hands-on cooking lessons, island hopping, trekking adventures, private driver services, unique farm visits, or just relaxing on the best beaches with a bottle of rosè!
CHEEKY CHARTER: SICILIAN SAILING
In the spring of 2019, we launched a new series of sailboat and catamaran excursions to Sicily’s Aeolian + Aegadian Islands! #CHEEKYcharter
ISOLE EGADI: FAVIGNANA, MARETTIMO + LEVANZO
ISOLE EOLIE: SALINA, LIPARI, PANAREA, STROMBOLI, VULCANO, ALICUDI + FILICUDI
Private sailboat and catamaran trips/rentals are available in SUMMER and can accommodate groups of 4-8 people in double-occupancy cabins or we can always provide a tandem flotillia with two boats for larger groups.
Sailing adventures can be organized with a skipper and private chef on board or just a boat rental with a professional skipper.
Send a request for the info brochure + pricing options.
Now Booking: Sicily’s AEOLIAN ISLANDS
JUNE 14-21, 2025 — solo traveler collab with Stellavision, all-inclusive group trip for female travelers.
JULY/AUGUST 2025 - weeklong trips from Saturday-Saturday depending on availability.
“The Cheeky Charter catamaran trip we took was one of the best trips we have ever taken. Your onboard cooking was fantastic; such a pleasure to eat fresh foods bought each morning on a different island. The fish, vegetables, fruit, pasta, etc. were all great!! Your island tours were also great as was swimming in the clear, blue waters we sailed in. Our favorites were the black sand beaches & the walk up to the base of the volcano!!
We also loved the market tour in Palermo as well as the accommodations you suggested. If we ever travel to Sicily again, we most certainly will book with you and will highly recommend your Cheeky Charter to friends and family!!”
FOR ANYTHING YOU NEED, JUST GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR REQUESTS
Get the ball rolling by filling out this form with your request.
BOOKING CONFIRMATION
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to hold the date and confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due 90 days before the program/tour.
We accept Zelle payments in USD$ through your bank, direct bank transfers in dollars or EUROS — or credit card payments with an additional 5% transaction fee.
Depending on the amount of guests or the needs of the host, Cheeky will hire drivers, licensed tour guides, boat captains, additional staff and sommeliers as needed.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations are such a bummer but we understand that shit happens. Booking Confirmation deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations with written notice within 60 days of the scheduled date can be refunded for the remaining balance only.
The Cheeky Chef reserves the right to cancel an event if necessary. In case of last minute cancellations, we will do our best to find a replacement guide, refund your program, or coordinate a revised plan as smoothly as possible. Programs cancelled by The Cheeky Chef will be offered a voucher to be used within one year on any of the programs we offer.
photo di Alberta Cuccia
